Hear the Nighthawks march along,

To their battle cry’s birdsong.

For by the morning,

Throughout our mourning,

We’ll have wished them all so long.

- The Nighthawks’ Departure, Anonymous Rheseran

“It’s a raid, to arms!” The voice beckoned while the banging continued.

Will’s eyes went wide; those were the words every person in Rhesera feared. Their cry was the harbinger of death and destruction. Will threw his clothes on, grabbed his sword, and swung the door open. The night’s cold air greeted him. He rubbed his eyes and lowered his gaze to the blonde woman waiting for him in the doorway. Despite his young age of seventeen, Will was deceptively tall.

That’s odd. If there’s a raid where’s the signal bell, Will asked himself.

“Rena, what happened to the bell?” Will stifled a yawn.

Rena sighed and rubbed her hand over the large scar on her neck. It had the appearance of a bite wound from an animal, but stretched and curved at various angles.

“It was a drill, and you failed. Three minutes and seventeen seconds, you and half the battalion died before you could swing your swords.” Rena shook her head, visibly disappointed. “Get in formation before I string you from the nearest tree.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Will sheathed his sword, then jogged to the blue flag where his battalion gathered.

There were a couple dozen people of various ages around the flag, from their teens to mid-thirties. Each of them wore a cloak with blue trim. The company leaders were distinguishable by the silver feather on their cloaks, and the battalion leaders with their gold feathers. More groggy recruits continued to trickle in as the battalion leaders slammed their fists on the doors throughout the barracks. Despite the courtyard’s distance from the barracks, their shouting was loud and clear.

As the last few Nighthawks trickled into their respective colors of blue, yellow, or red, the battalion commanders made their way to the front. The commanders were given the rank of Master, and among the few that survived their length of duty who remained with the Nighthawks.

I see Rena up there, but I don’t recognize the other two Masters.

The yellow flag’s commander was tall and muscular, with a great sword slung on his back. The red flag’s commander stood shorter than Will and carried a long staff. The jeweled orb on top of the staff symbolized his position as a magician.

“Attention,” the three commanders roared in unison. All three battalions straightened their posture and fell silent. Will listened to the chirping of the crickets and the whistle of the wind.

“Blue battalion, today you will take part in combat exercises,” Rena projected to the several dozen recruits in front of her. “Fall out to the training grounds, move!”

The other commanders rattled off their orders, and the battalions parted ways. After a short walk, Will’s battalion arrived at the training grounds and fell out of formation. Will spotted his company leader at the front of the battalion. Before, Rena gave him the advice to make friends while he could in training. Will jogged to the front of the battalion, placing his hand on his sword’s sheath to keep it from bouncing too much.

“Knight Millie,” Will called out to the company leader. Millie turned to face Will. She looked slightly older than him and stood at shoulder-height, with short amber hair and emerald eyes.

She’s quite pretty now that I’ve gotten a closer look, Will thought to himself. It was dark, but the lantern Millie carried provided a warm glow. Will realized he was staring blankly at the expectant company leader. “Ah, right, sorry, I’m Will, one of the new recruits,” Will bumbled out.

“A pleasure, Will, but I think Master Rena is looking for you,” Millie replied with a nod towards Rena who was flagging him down with her wave. “We can talk later.”

Will sighed and trotted to where Rena waited. The three companies spread out through the training grounds with their respective leaders to begin their drills.

“Chin up, you’ll be practicing with me today, Will. Few people get one-on-one practice with a Master. There’ll be plenty of time for your flirting later,” Rena remarked.

Will blushed, but before he could respond, Rena tossed him one of the two wooden swords she held.

Rena’s cheerful look turned serious. “What do you know about the Nighthawks’ enemies?”

“Only what I’ve heard in stories from home. They kill indiscriminately and spare no one.”

“That’s a good start. In the simplest terms...” Rena trailed off and tapped the bite scar on her neck. “They’re monsters.”

Will nodded along, taking in each of Rena’s words. Even though she raised Will, Rena never mentioned where the scar on her neck came from. She’d brushed him off when he brought it up.

“It’s difficult to describe them, because they are amalgamations in the truest sense. They take many forms, but one is never the same as the next. They’re eldritch horrors, the things of nightmares, and I’m going to teach you to defend yourself from them.” Rena lifted her own wooden sword and pointed it towards Will. “Now then, let’s begin.”

“Wait, I’m not—” A sharp thrust to the ribs from Rena’s sword interrupted Will. He doubled over, grasping his side, trying to suck in air. Rena flicked her sword into Will’s chin, sending him to the ground.

“The most important rule is the enemy doesn’t wait for you to finish smacking your lips. You can’t talk with the enemy, and you can’t reason with the enemy. Your only course of action is to fight or die.” Rena planted her sword’s tip in the ground. “Catch your breath and get up, it’ll be a long day.”

The sun had set again by the time Will stumbled into the canteen.

Nevermind the monsters. That damned woman will kill me first, Will thought to himself, inspecting the various bruises and welts from Rena’s sword.

When he looked up, Will spotted Millie seated near the edge of the canteen. However, before he could move, an arm wrapped around his shoulders.

“Careful with her, she bites,” the man’s voice jested. He stepped in front of Will and introduced himself. “I’m Garret, we’re in the same company, pleasure to meet you!” Garret extended his hand and grinned. He was dark-skinned, his hair and eyes were likewise dark, and he appeared several years older than Will.

“Likewise,” Will smiled and returned the handshake. “You’ve already met Knight Millie?”

“Met her?” Garret laughed. “She was my combat partner today, kicked my ass too!”

Garret lifted his shirt to reveal a similar thrashing. Will winced at the various hues of purple along Garret’s torso.

“All right, all right, enough ogling.” Garret lowered his shirt and smoothed it out. “How old are you, anyway? You look young to have been drawn from the lotto.”

“Just turned seventeen this year.”

“With that kind of luck, remind me not to take you gambling,” Garret chuckled. “I’m heading to grab some grub, care to join me?”

Will glanced to where Millie was sitting, but she was no longer there. “Sure, I’d be glad to.”

The two grabbed their food and sat at a table near one of the still-lit torches. Garret and Will dove into their food as though starved for several days.

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“So what’s the deal with you and Master Rena? You and your little one-on-one with her were the talk of the battalion today.” Garret took another swig of his drink and planted it on the table. “Frankly, you’ve even got several people jealous.”

Will sighed and rubbed the back of his head. “I guess she’s like—”

“Mind if I join you, gentlemen?” Rena strolled up to the table and seated herself without waiting for an answer. Garret turned his head to the visitor only to notice who it was. He tried to snap to attention, but slammed his knee into the table instead. “Sit down recruit, enough with the formalities for today. So, what were we talking about?”

“Garret asked how you know me,” Will chimed in.

“Curious are we? I’ve known Will here since he was a child, and his parents even longer. His father was a Nighthawk in my company during my tenure as a company leader, when I was still a Knight. We became good friends, and after his tour of duty was complete, I paid a visit to their home where I met his wife and young Will.” Rena seemed to get lost in her thoughts before continuing. “They were a good couple, and great parents.”

“Were? Then, you mean…” Garret trailed off and looked to Will.

“They died in the Qash raid,” Will nodded in response. “I was young, so the only thing I remember is the sound of those signal bells. Since then I’ve been in Rena’s care.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t—”

“It’s fine,” Will stopped Garret. “I’ve had years to grieve. What about you Garret, where’re you from?”

“I’m from a small mining town called Shravrid. My father worked as a personal miner for one of the best blacksmiths in Rhesera.” Garret paused and took another drink. “I planned to accompany him as an apprentice until they pulled my name at that blasted lottery. Now here I am. Maybe once our tour of duty is over, I’ll introduce you to them Will.”

Rena leaned back to stretch and yawn. “Well, I think the introductions wrap things up for me tonight. I’m heading to the barracks, you two should do the same before long.” Garret and Will both nodded in agreement. The three gathered their things and returned to the barracks.

* * *

The following week comprised much of the same for Will. While the amount of Garret’s bruises gradually declined, Will’s remained unchanged. He hadn’t landed even a single blow on Rena, who kept him under her control throughout every spar. The final combat exercise came to a close, and Rena moved to the front of the training grounds to address the battalion.

“Outstanding work this past week recruits. I’ve watched some of you improve from not knowing which way to stick the sword to competently sparring with your peers. Now I’ll put your newfound skills to the test with a little competition.” Rena lifted her wooden sword in front of her. “The competition will be an elimination bout within the companies. The first matches begin tomorrow!”

That night, Will and Garret took their same seats in the canteen.

Swordplay? I’ve done nothing but get smacked around by Rena!

“What’s on your mind, Will? You’ve hardly said a word,” Garret asked, chipper as usual.

“I haven’t so much as struck Rena once, and I’m expected to take part in a competition? She’ll humiliate me in front of the entire company!”

Garret laughed at Will’s frustration. “Humiliate you? You’re talking to the guy who’s combat partner had to go easier on him because he couldn’t keep up.”

Oh, so that’s why Garret’s bruises disappeared. Will’s eyes lit up for a moment. “Ah, that’s right, where’s Knight Millie, anyway?”

“Said she wanted to get some extra practice in before the matches tomorrow. Not that I blame her, I doubt I was doing her any favors.” Garret rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Anyway, enough with the boring talk. It’s been a week now, any women on your mind?” Garret asked while grinning.

Will’s mind froze at the sudden question. The hesitation only widened Garret’s smile. Millie’s face came to Will’s mind. “Well...” Will stammered.

Garret raised his eyebrows and leaned closer. “I get it, I get it, I’ll go first.” He lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “I’ve had my eye on Knight Millie, something about how she swings that sword of her’s really swooned me one day.” Will was taken aback. It felt like someone punched him in the gut. His distraught face sent Garret into a fit of laughter. “I’m screwing with you, Will! She’s not my type, but you’ve been asking about her so much I thought I’d mess with you a little.”

Will returned Garret’s grin and leaned over the table to slug his shoulder. “Come on, let’s get to bed, we’ve got a long morning ahead,” Will suggested, getting up from his seat. Garret nodded in agreement, and the two returned to the barracks.

The chirps of the crickets in the night were becoming a familiar tune for Will’s morning routine. He dressed himself, then drug his feet to the training grounds.

I don’t think I’ll ever be used to waking up this early, Will thought to himself with a large yawn.

When he arrived, he spotted Rena briefing the three company leaders on the day’s events. Rather than interrupt, Will practiced some swings Rena taught him. That only lasted for a few minutes as Garret showed up soon after. Garret greeted Will with a wave.

“I’m not late am I? A man needs his beauty sleep,” Garret chuckled. His lighthearted mood so early in the morning impressed Will.

“Not at all. I think we’re just about to start in fact.” On cue, the company leaders called their members into formation. Will and Garret jogged towards Millie where their company gathered.

“Today’s matches will soon begin,” Millie launched into the event’s explanation. “These are Master Rena’s instructions. There’s only one rule: if you are disarmed, surrender, or exit the square, you are eliminated from the competition. The matches are no-holds-barred, anything goes. The first match will be between Recruit Will and Recruit Priscilla.”

Oh Gods, the opening act? At least it’ll be over quickly.

Will begrudgingly moved to the sparring square, which was well-illuminated by torches on the four corners. Priscilla stood at the opposite end from him.

“Nighthawks, draw your weapons!” Rena’s voice echoed through the grounds. Will’s trembling hand clutched his wooden sword.

“You’ve got this, Will!” Garret called out. Will couldn’t help but smile, and his hand relaxed at the reassurance.

“Begin!” Rena shouted, and the three companies started their matches. Not wasting any time, Priscilla dashed towards Will.

That’s odd, it’s like she’s not even trying to hide her movements. It’s an overhead strike.

Will parried Priscilla’s opening strike away. Her momentum sent her stumbling forward. Priscilla spun to face Will.

She’s leaving her torso vulnerable. Rena didn’t show a single opening like this.

Will waited for Priscilla’s charge. He delivered a single powerful thrust into her gut, the same Rena used against him. Priscilla fell to the ground. Tears welled on her face as she gasped for breath. Will slid Priscilla’s sword away with his foot.

“Our first winner is Recruit Will,” Millie announced. The fight was so one-sided, the rest of the company stood there awestruck.

“Yeah, Will! Way to go!” Garret’s cheering and clapping broke the overwhelming silence. The rest of the company slowly joined in the applause.

Will knelt down next to Priscilla, who was wiping her eyes, and offered his hand. “Sorry, it was all reflex, I didn’t mean to put that much force into it.”

“You won. Don’t apologize. That only makes it hurt worse.” Priscilla pushed his hand away and shakily rose to her feet. She left the sparring square to blend into the crowd of recruits, her head lowered and holding her side.

Will stood up and watched as Priscilla left. He then made his way to Garret, while the next matches began. “Did I offend her, Garret?”

“What do you mean?” Garret turned from the sparring square to face Will.

“I tried to apologize for injuring her like that, and offered her a hand, but she turned it away.”

“The problem is you tried to apologize,” Garret planted his finger into Will’s shoulder. “Put yourself in her shoes, like you were imagining moments before that fight. Your opponent kicked your ass and humiliated you in front of the entire battalion, then apologizes for not going easier on you. I’d be pissed too. I think your heart was in the right place making sure she wasn’t seriously hurt, but you have to find a better way with your words.”

“The next match will be Recruit Garret and Recruit Silven,” Millie announced.

“That’s my cue,” Garret quipped and patted Will on the shoulder. Garret’s opponent was one of the older recruits, years older than Garret himself.

I should introduce myself after the matches, Will told himself, often seeing Silven sitting alone in the canteen.

“Nighthawks, draw your weapons,” Millie announced, stepping in for Rena who was monitoring the other two matches. Garret and Silven drew their swords. “Begin!”

Garret re-sheathed his sword. He walked towards Silven, who was visibly confused, as was the rest of the company. Even the rest of the battalion watched the match with interest.

“What is he doing? Why did he put his sword away?” The crowd murmured as Garret approached Silven.

Has he given up? Is he just surrendering? Will thought back to Garret saying Millie had to go easy on him.

But Garret didn’t say a word, only walking towards Silven. Silven stepped back as Garret approached, not making a move either. Garret entered Silven’s swinging range. Silven was now at the edge of the sparring square. Like a cornered animal, Silven let out a shout and swung.

Garret took the full force of the swing in his shoulder. His recoil showed how much it hurt. Rather than back away, Garret lunged at Silven and wrapped him in a bear hug. Only Silven’s sword arm was free as Garret lifted him from the ground. Silven’s only option was to hit Garret with his sword’s pommel. But it was clear Garret was not letting go. Garret was bigger in every way. He squeezed tighter. Silven’s bones popped amidst the silence.

“I surrender, I surrender!” Silven shouted and dropped his sword. The entire battalion was flabbergasted. Garret won without a single swing of his sword. Will joined in the stunned silence; it was Rena that broke the atmosphere this time.

“Excellent improvisation, Recruit Garret,” Rena clapped. A few slow claps joined her, Will included. The two shook hands and left the sparring square, Silven rubbing his back and Garret with his usual grin.

“Didn’t see that one coming, did you?” Garret directed towards a stunned Will.

“Honestly, not at all.”

The rest of the first round matches proceeded with a more mundane tone. Then the second round arrived.

“The first match of the second round will be Recruit Will,” Millie paused. “And myself.”

Garret cracked up laughing. “Well there you go, Will. Now’s your chance!”

Of all the matches, this has to be Rena’s doing.

Will looked to Rena, who was smiling as she watched him. She winked. Will joined Millie in the sparring square.

“Nighthawks, draw your weapons!” Rena announced loud enough for the entire battalion to hear. Will and Millie unsheathed their weapons. “Begin!”

Millie approached Will with her sword lowered. Instead, her empty hand was raised. She opened her fist, palm facing Will. “Luceo.” A bright flash enveloped Will’s vision before a sharp hit to his head knocked him unconscious.

The last thing Will heard was a rhythmic sound. Ding. Dong. Ding. Dong. The signal bell tolled.